Gordon G. "Butch" Appel Jr., 54, of Throop, passed away Sunday October 20, at home.  Born in Scranton,son of Gordon G. Appel, Sr. and the Late Bernadette Galasso Appel, he was raised in Throop, where he attended Mid-Valley High School before embarking on a lifelong career as a truck driver, working both over the road and short haul.

Butch had a way about him that could make anyone feel comfortable in his presence.  He had many friends and a very distinct laugh that could light up any room.  A tough man with a big heart.  Butch was affectionately described by his loved ones as a  "big teddy bear".  He had a passion for motorcycles, and always ready for the next new adventure on the road.

Butch is survived by his father, Gordon G. Appel Sr.; his children, Gordon G. Appel III and Cole Appel; his sisters Kimberlee Appel Snell and Gina Appel Galea; his brother Patrick Anthony Appel and wife Sarah; as well as a niece, several nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was recently engaged to his best friend and the love of his life Dawn Marie Pileggi.

He is predeceased by his mother Bernadette Galasso Appel; and Brother-in-laws Michael Paul Snell Jr. and Armand Galea Jr.

Butch was previously married to Kerry Appel (formerly Chase), the mother of his two sons Gordon Appel III and Cole Appel.

A memorial service will be held Sunday November 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the John F. Glinsky Funeral Home, Inc., 445 Sanderson St. Throop with a Mass at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick's Church 200 Delaware Ave, Olyphant on Monday November 11 at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to the family to help defray the cost of the funeral expenses.  Any donations or checks can be made payable to his dad, Gordon G. Appel, Sr.

All those attending Mass please go directly to church.